Investigating the evolutionary ecology of plant interactions

​ We study plant interactions with other organisms, including insect herbivores, microbial symbionts, seed-dispersing bats, and more. Much of our work focuses on the fundamental role of phytochemicals in shaping how plants defend themselves against antagonists and attract effective mutualists. Our research is grounded in field-based studies that range from tropical forests to temperate agroecosystems, and we integrate field work with diverse approaches including analytical chemistry, greenhouse experiments, laboratory bioassays, behavioral experiments with animals, and a diversity of quantitative methods.